A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit – Matthew 7:18
“So, do I get the pleasure of serving you?” the plumber inquired. “You know that’s the same thing another homeowner posted you had said to her, right along with your bad and good news assessment and guaranteed work policy. Yet, she warned against hiring you since the leak returned two days after you supposedly fixed it. So, I think I’m going to decline,” the homeowner announced. “You know you can’t believe everything that’s written,” the plumber warned. “You are so right, that’s why I paid for your inspection to prove if what I read was right or wrong. It’s the cost of testing fruit.”
The opening scenario is a modernized demonstration of Jesus’ teachings about the importance of discerning character as reflected through behaviors (fruits) when He said: “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). In other words, actions far outweigh declarations, as it depicts true nature beyond appearances and impressive rhetoric. It supports the adage: “Don’t tell me who you are, show me who you are.”
While fooling others may seem profitable, it isn’t acceptable to God. So, let’s always seek to demonstrate our growth through our fruits, no matter how and when they’re tested.